Image: from SubbeticaHoy.com X@subbeticahoy
By Open Chronicle | February 5, 2026
LISBON/MADRID – The Iberian Peninsula is grappling with the devastating aftermath of Storm Leonardo, which has unleashed a wave of torrential rain and gale-force winds across Portugal and Spain. The severe weather has triggered hundreds of emergency interventions, forced thousands from their homes, and caused structural damage to one of the world’s most iconic religious landmarks.
Portugal Under Water
In Portugal, the National Authority for Emergency Situations and Civil Protection (ANEPC) reported nearly 400 incidents between midnight and 8 AM today. The Greater Lisbon area and western regions were the hardest hit. In the municipality of Loures, a road collapsed in the São João neighborhood of Camarate, while the overflowing Tejo River flooded coastal districts including Alhandra and Vila Franca de Xira.
Transportation has ground to a halt in several sectors. River ferry services between Lisbon and Almada were suspended due to treacherous sea conditions, and rail traffic on the Northern Line was cut off. In the Setúbal district, 89 residents were evacuated as the Sado River breached its banks.
While no fatalities were reported in this morning’s initial surge, officials confirmed that the cumulative toll from recent storms, including Leonardo and its predecessor, Kristin, has reached 11 deaths in Portugal since last week.
#Spain #StormLeonardo #BorrascaLeonardo – 04/02 – Leonardo starting to leave it's mark, with homes evacuated, severe flooding, land slides, roads cut off and trees felled – video from MeteoGib follower Julie Wilkinson from the village of La Cañada Del Real Tesoro, Cortes – where… pic.twitter.com/SuSzOJaL3k
— MeteoGib (@MeteoGib) February 4, 2026
Crisis in Spain
Spain remains on high alert, with seven regions issuing orange weather warnings. The southern region of Andalusia is currently the epicenter of the crisis, where over 3,000 people have been evacuated.
Tragedy struck in the municipality of Sayalonga, Málaga, where the Civil Guard is searching for a woman swept away by the Turvilla River. According to reports, she was attempting to rescue her dog from the current when she was pulled under.
Logistical chaos has followed the rain, with 150 roads closed across the country, 140 of them in Andalusia alone. Renfe, the national rail operator, has suspended multiple services, including the high-speed AVE line between Madrid and Málaga.
Hemos pasado en pocos meses de hablar sobre cortar el suministro de agua a este fatídico temporal. Seguimos con mucha atención y preocupación los efectos devastadores de Leonardo.@MananerosTVE pic.twitter.com/Ufb8IjNeSz
— Chema Garrido (@JoseMGarrido) February 5, 2026
Iconic Giralda Cathedral Damaged
The storm’s fury did not spare historic heritage. In Seville, powerful gusts toppled one of the famous bronze lilies from the Giralda Cathedral’s bell tower. The ornament, a fixture of the cathedral since 1751, fell to the ground at approximately 6:00 AM after pieces of the tower’s masonry collapsed.
Emergency services have cordoned off the area surrounding the tower to protect the public from potential falling debris. While the cathedral remains open to visitors, technicians are conducting a high-altitude inspection of the remaining three lilies to ensure the structural integrity of the Renaissance-era finial.
Outlook
Meteorologists warn that the danger is far from over. High risks of significant flooding persist along the Douro, Tejo, and Mondego rivers as tides and continued rainfall keep water levels at critical thresholds. Authorities urge citizens to remain vigilant as emergency crews work around the clock to restore essential services and secure damaged infrastructure.